How Much Force can a Hydraulic Cylinder Generate?

How much force can a hydraulic cylinder generate?

It's a basic hydraulics question, but it's a common one, so we go to our friends at Enerpac for the answer!
The following infographic shows how hydraulic forces are calculated, based on the equipment provided by Enerpac themselves.

Force Examples

The amount of force a hydraulic cylinder can generate is equal to the hydraulic pressure times the “effective area” of the cylinder (see cylinder selection charts).

Enerpac Hydraulic Forces

Example 1
An RC-106 cylinder with 14,5 cm2 effective area operating at 700 bar will generate what force?
Force = 7000 N/cm2 x 14,5 cm2 = 101500 N = 101,5 kN

Example 2
An RC-106 cylinder lifting 7000 kg will require what pressure?
Pressure = 7000 x 9,8 N ÷ 14,5 cm² = 4731,0 N/cm² = 473 bar.

Example 3
An RC-256 cylinder is required to produce a force of 190.000 N. What pressure is required?
Pressure = 190.000 N ÷ 33,2 cm² = 5722,9 N/cm² = 572 bar.

Example 4
Four RC-308 cylinders are required to produce a force of 800.000 N. What pressure is required?
Pressure = 800.000 N ÷ (4 x 42,1 cm²) = 4750,6 N/cm² = 476 bar.
Remember, since four cylinders are used together, the area for one cylinder must be multiplied by the number of cylinders used.

Example 5
A CLL-2506 cylinder is going to be used with a power source that is capable of 500 bar. What is the theoretical force available from that cylinder?
Force = 5000 N/cm² x 366,4 cm² = 1.832.000 N = 1832 kN

Cylinder Oil Capacity

The volume of oil required for a cylinder (cylinder oil capacity) is equal to the effective area of the cylinder times the stroke*.

* Note: these are theoretical examples and do not take into account the compressibility of oil under high pressure.

Cylinder Examples

Example 1
An RC-158 cylinder with 20,3 cm² effective area and 200 mm stroke requires what volume of oil?
Oil Capacity = 20,3 cm² x 20 cm = 406 cm³Example 2:
An RC-5013 cylinder has an effective area of 71,2 cm² and a stroke of 320 mm. How much oil will be required?
Oil Capacity = 71,2 cm² x 32 cm = 2278,4 cm³Example 3:
An RC-10010 cylinder has an effective area of 133,3 cm² and a stroke of 260 mm. How much oil will it require?
Oil Capacity = 133,3 cm² x 26 cm = 3466 cm³Example 4:
Four RC-308 cylinders are being used, each with an effective area of 42,1 cm² and a stroke of 209 mm. How much oil will be required?
Oil Capacity = 42,1 cm² x 20,9 cm = 880 cm³ for one cylinder. Multiply by four to obtain the required capacity: 3520 cm³

related Expert Guides

Hydraulic Cylinders: Single Acting Cylinder vs Double Acting Cylinder